Denver halts Toronto’s 11-game surge

DENVER – The Toronto Raptors were ready for Danilo Gallinari. They didn’t have an answer for Nikola Jokic.

The rookie center had 27 points and 14 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets ended Toronto’s 11-game winning streak with a 112-93 victory over the Raptors on Monday.

Jokic’s totals were season highs. He had 23 points and 12 rebounds against San Antonio on Nov. 28 and now has four double-doubles in his past five games. The 20-year-old Serbian has surpassed even his own expectations for this season.

“When I came here I didn’t think I would play,” he said. “Now I have trust from the coach.”

His effort Monday eased the burden on Gallinari, Denver’s leading scorer. Gallinari had just 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting and let Jokic dominate Toronto.

“He had a good game. I’m very happy for him,” Gallinari said. “I told him the challenge is for him to do that every night.”

Will Barton scored 20 points and Randy Foye had 16 for the Nuggets, who swept the season series. They won in Toronto on Dec. 3 to stop an eight-game losing streak.

The Raptors entered with the NBA’s longest current winning streak but couldn’t duplicate the success they had in January. They led by one midway through the second quarter but trailed by double digits for most of the second half.

DeMar DeRozan led Toronto with 24 points.

Cavaliers 111, Pacers 106 (OT)

In Indianapolis, Kyrie Irving scored 25 points and LeBron James had 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead Cleveland past the Pacers in overtime.

James only scored seven points after halftime, but it was enough to give the Cavaliers their fifth straight win under new coach Tyronn Lue — and their first win in Indy in six years.

Thunder 114, Wizards 98

In Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook had his seventh triple-double of the season and the Thunder beat Washington.

Westbrook had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists and got the best of his matchup with Washington point guard John Wall.

It was the 26th triple-double of Westbrook’s career.

Grizzlies 110, Pelicans 95

In New Orleans, Zach Randolph had 22 points and 12 boards and Memphis beat the hosts for its 10th victory in 12 games.